“Meet Our Newest Mini-Grant Awardees”
by Mary Anne Andersen for Iron County Today Column
It is not unusual for an applicant for a Cedar City Arts Council Artists’ Mini-Grant to request funds to attend or sponsor a workshop or festival. The anticipated gathering is meant to educate and/or improve the applicants’ artistic skills, which are in turn reflected in the participants’ artistic presence in the community. The Council usually says yes. But this year, things are up in the air.
In the current list of mini-grant awardees, there are four that fall within this category. Ellyn Rock, a young violinist who aspires to play with the Orchestra of Southern Utah, asked for supplementary funds to attend the Bryce Canyon Music Camp in June. The Sagebrush Fiber Artisans’ Guild is a sponsor of an advanced weaving workshop featuring a nationally-known fiber artist. That workshop has already been postponed until May, 2021. The Native American Student Association at SUU requested help with the costs of hosting the 41st annual Pow Wow here in Cedar City, featuring dancers and gorgeous costumes from local and surrounding Native American communities. Cydnee Lee wants to attend a workshop in St. George to enhance her jewelry-making skills. She will share that knowledge with students and clubs in the area.
Another grant is tied to a group event—-the annual Livestock and Heritage Festival scheduled for October. The planners are announcing an original art contest to coincide with the festival this year; it will be open to elementary, middle, and high school. The awarded funds will purchase supplies, publicity, and prizes. Surely by October this will come to pass. School back in session will benefit from Melanie Baker’s request for money to purchase 4 glockenspiels for the music program at South Elementary.
There are three performing groups that will receive funds to continue performing for Iron County residents when circumstances allow. You all have seen the Washburn Family Bluegrass Band perform. Four years ago Nathan was given help to purchase a better banjo. This year his brother William will have supplemental help to buy a new guitar. And the group Full Tilt Boogie Band, known around town for their paid and charitable performances, will receive support to release a new album, increasing their presence in our community. A group of middle schoolers plans to organize and perform under the name the Un4gettable String Quartet. Their start-up requires music, equipment, and marketing. Look for them at the Friday Art Walks and such.
Visual artist recipients include Maya Akpinar who will supply her photographs of the local natural habitat to public venues and schools, and Hanna Dawson, who will do the same with beautiful cyanotype prints of local flora.
Artist Megan Nelson will take advanced training from local experts in glass artistry. Her enhanced skills will benefit her students.
What began as a thrilling prospect of grant awardees has been dampened by the unforeseeable circumstance of forced isolation. Don’t despair, all. The grants will be awarded; we will applaud when the monies are able to be put to their intended uses.
Next application deadline August 31. Link below or on this website under support.
By: Shaylene Baruffi-Jensen